STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, June 15, 2023

PRESENT:
Bruce Voss, Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Shanty Asher
Lynn Fallin
Lauren Moriarty
Kili Namauʻu

EXCUSED:
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Ken Kuraya
Makana McClellan

ALSO PRESENT:
Maverick Yasuda, Student Representative
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Genochio, Military Representative
Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, Hawaii State Public Library System
Mallory Fujitani, Special Assistant, Hawaii State Public Library System
Cara Tanimura, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, Department of Education
Ken Kakesako, Director, Policy, Innovation, Planning and Evaluation Branch, Department of Education
Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent, Department of Education
Alison Kunishige, Executive Director
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Regina Pascua, Executive Secretary
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Bruce Voss called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Chairperson Voss and Board Members Bill Arakaki, Shanty Asher, Lynn Fallin, Lauren Moriarty, and Kili Namauʻu were present.


II. Public Testimony on Board of Education (“Board”) Agenda Items

Board Chairperson Voss called for public testimony.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item IV.B.ii., entitled “June 15, 2023 Committee Meetings: Finance and Infrastructure Committee Report: (1) Update on Hawaii State Public Library System’s operating budget and capital improvement budget appropriations for fiscal biennium 2023-2025; (2) Update on Department of Education’s (“Department”) operating budget appropriations for fiscal biennium 2023-2025; (3) Update on Department’s capital improvement project budget appropriations for fiscal biennium 2023-2025.” She shared that having a new chairperson would be challenging because having the wisdom to make decisions is important, emphasized that the public deserves transparency, and that students should be first.

Cooper J Endo, Project SOAR, testified on agenda item VII.A., entitled “Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session.” They expressed support for House Resolution 147, which passed this past legislative session with Representative Amy Perusso’s help, which would be beneficial for many students.

Kilia LG, Project Soar, testified on agenda item VII.A., entitled “Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session.” They expressed support of House Resolution 147 and emphasized that this initiative can change the lives of students everywhere.

Danson Honda, member of the public, testified on agenda item VII.A. entitled “Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session.” He expressed support for implementing Senate Concurrent Resolution 56 and House Bill 503 relating to financial literacy graduation requirements, opined that many students struggle to continue to live in Hawaii, and urged the Board to review the graduation requirements to include financial literacy.

Cheri Nakamura, HE‘E Coalition, testified on agenda item VIII. entitled “Aloha to departing Board members and Student Representative Maverick Yasuda.” She expressed aloha (love) to Board Chairperson Voss, Board Members Fallin and Namauʻu, and Student Representative Yasuda for their service. Nakamura noted that although HE‘E Coalition did not always agree with their decisions, she appreciated their emphasis on accountability.

Board members received written testimony before the meeting. (A listing of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting is included at the end of these minutes.)


III. Approval of Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2023 Special Meeting, May 18, 2023 General Business Meeting, June 1, 2023 Special Meeting

Board Chairperson Voss asked Board members to review the Board’s May 4, 2023 Special Meeting, May 18, 2023 General Business Meeting, and June 1, 2023 Special Meeting minutes.

Board Member Asher moved to approve the Board’s May 4, 2023 Special Meeting, May 18, 2023 General Business Meeting, and June 1, 2023 Special Meeting minutes. Board Member Arakaki seconded.

Board Chairperson Voss asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Board member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s May 4, 2023 Special Meeting, May 18, 2023 General Business Meeting, and June 1, 2023 Special Meeting minutes (Asher/Arakaki). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


IV. Reports

Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher reported that the committee discussed compensation adjustments for complex area superintendents and made a recommendation to the Board at its June 1, 2023, Special Meeting to approve the Department of Education’s (“Department”) proposed compensation adjustments, which the Board did.

Board Member and Commission Outcomes Committee Chairperson Fallin reported that there was a discussion and action item, which focused on clarifying expectations relating to opportunities for improvements in the Commission evaluation. She explained that the Committee did not take action in order to provide more time to complete the expectations and that there would be additional meetings to advance the work needed for completion.


Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher reported that the committee discussed the state librarian’s end-of-year evaluation for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and the recommendation is forthcoming for Board action later in the meeting.


Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Fallin reported that there were three discussion items for the upcoming fiscal biennium (“FB”) because of the legislative session and various appropriations. She stated that Hawaii State Public Library System (“HSPLS”) received funding in all areas except relating to security in the second year of the FB, so a request for these funds would likely be included in the supplemental budget request. Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Fallin stated that the Department provided an update on the operating budget and shared that priority areas relating to health and safety, and implementing the strategic plan are supported in part as announced by Governor Green yesterday. She also stated that further details are forthcoming and the Department indicated the need to look at strategies such as delays, scaling back, and possible emergency funding options to cover items not funded. Board Member and Finance and Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Fallin shared that the Department would submit a request relating to areas not funded especially for areas relating to the strategic plan and focused priorities. She also reported that the Department did not receive requested funding for capital improvement priorities (“CIP”) and Board Members expressed concerns in areas relating to the lump sum request and the Department would assess the significantly impacted areas.


Board Chairperson Voss referred to the written report on the events attended by Board members.


V. Action Items

Board Member and Human Resources Committee Vice Chairperson Asher moved, on behalf of the Human Resources Committee, to rate Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian, on her end-of-year evaluation for the 2022-2023 fiscal year as follows:

Professional Standards OverallHighly Effective
State Librarian Priority 1Effective
State Librarian Priority 2Highly Effective
State Librarian Priority 3Effective
State Librarian Priorities OverallEffective
Cumulative OverallHighly Effective

Board Chairperson Voss stated he would like the Board members and Aldrich to engage in the self-reflection part of the evaluation process. He asked Board members and Aldrich to identify lessons learned during the year in the Board and Hawaii State Public Library System’s work together and identify any areas for improvement.

Board Chairperson Voss complimented Aldrich and noted that when you have an amazing employee it is easy to take her for granted. He emphasized that the Board should include Aldrich in more of the strategic plan goals and that she needs to be more included in the discussion going forward.

Board Member Namauʻu shared that the Board did not pay enough attention to Aldrich and that it was a bad move on the Board’s part. She acknowledged that Aldrich is capable and humble but still needs kokua (assistance) and that it is the Board’s kuleana (responsibility) to support and include the libraries.

Board Member Moriarty stated that the strategic plan focuses on the Department but going forward the Board needs to look at integrating public charter schools and public libraries. She recognized that a top priority of the Board is literacy and HSPLS’s work is in alignment with the strategic plan. Board Member Moriarty emphasized that it is important to bring ideas together to support education more broadly. Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for Board Member Namauʻu who served as the library liaison and noted that it is important to provide feedback and encouragement from the Board as a part of the evaluation.

Board Student Representative Yasuda reflected that perspective is invaluable and being able to listen to all perspectives is important.

Board Member Fallin added that there is always room for improvement and asked if Aldrich can identify ways to better engage and build on multiple perspectives. She stated that previously there was a separate committee for libraries and suggested that there should be a system in place to sustain the structure on a permanent basis. Board Member Fallin noted that she was impressed with how the library work plan links into the evaluation.

Board Member Asher expressed humility that she was able to facilitate the evaluation process for Aldrich. She echoed support shared by other Board members and emphasized the importance of digital literacy for communities who need help. Board Member Asher also expressed strong support for the HSPLS strategic plan.

Board Member Arakaki echoed support and noted that professional competencies are the foundation for leaders. He expressed support to include the library in the strategic plan and shared about the examples of how library programs support communities.

Aldrich expressed appreciation for the kind words and Board’s support. She shared that she is humbled and grateful for the trust in her to take care of the library branches across the state. Aldrich stated that all the ideas are interesting and finding areas to create support would help make more resources available for communities.

Board Chairperson Voss called for a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye (Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Fallin, Moriarty, and Namauʻu).

ACTION: Motion to rate Aldrich on her end-of-year evaluation for the 2022-2023 fiscal year as follows:

Professional Standards OverallHighly Effective
State Librarian Priority 1Effective
State Librarian Priority 2Highly Effective
State Librarian Priority 3Effective
State Librarian Priorities OverallEffective
Cumulative OverallHighly Effective

(Human Resources Committee/no second required). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.


VI. Public Testimony on Board Agenda Items

Board Chairperson Voss called for public testimony.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified on agenda item VIII., entitled “Aloha to departing Board members and Student Representative Maverick Yasuda.” She expressed aloha (love) to Board Chairperson Voss, noted that the new chairperson would need to place his outside influence needs aside, and expressed appreciation for Board Chairperson Voss, Board Members Fallin and Namauʻu, and Board Student Representative Yasuda.


VII. Discussion Items

Board Member and 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Arakaki expressed appreciation to Board Chairperson Voss, Board Members Asher and McClellan, and Board Analyst Kenyon Tam for their work during this legislative session. He stated that the committee was tasked with developing and recommending policy positions to the Board. Board Member Arakaki shared that the Ad Hoc Committee tracked 129 bills, and submitted 18 written testimonies. He noted that the Legislature passed House Bill 503, which requires the Board to work with the Department to conduct an analysis of the necessary timeline and appropriate process to make computer science education a graduation requirement. Board Member and 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Arakaki explained that exhibit A provides more information on the Board’s future work. He summarized the various legislative items to monitor going forward including grants, media literacy, civic education, financial literacy, computer science education, increasing access to tutoring services, access to extended learning opportunities, administrative rules relating to HSPLS regarding management and library fees, weighted student formula, and House Resolution 147 regarding developing and enforcing dress codes for school events which are not sex segregated. Board Member and 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Arakaki also recommended that the Board continue to communicate with the legislature.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the Ad Hoc Committee and asked what has been the traditional process to follow up on legislation.

Board Chairperson Voss stated that the Legislative Ad Hoc Committee is a year round activity but there has been recognition that the Board needs to engage throughout the year with stakeholders.

Student Representative Yasuda summarized House Bill 936, which states that the Department shall require the teaching of financial literacy to be included in the existing personal transition plan (“PTP”) requirement for each student and allows schools to develop a financial literacy program or provide financial literacy systematically in the school. He expressed support for the outcome but noted that this lacks clarity for stakeholders and an action plan to ensure the bill is effective in the classrooms. He expressed support for the testimony submitted by Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Arakaki and expressed confidence that the Board can take on the challenge of this responsibility.


Board Chairperson Voss called on Aldrich to provide the presentation on HSPLS’s summary of the 2023 legislative session.

Aldrich introduced Mallory Fujitani, Special Assistant, HSPLS, who would also be providing information relating to the HSPLS 2023 legislative summary. She outlined Senate Bill 1441, which shifts oversight of all workers’ compensation cases to the Department of Human Resources Development to ensure that there would be funding to provide this service. She stated that in the past funding was from salary savings and there was always a claim that HSPLS did not contribute, but now that is not the case and that this would help with processing workers’ compensation claims.

Aldrich outlined Senate Bill 1232 to simplify the process to modify fees imposed for enhanced services at public libraries. She explained that the administrative rule making process can take up to two years but the legislation would allow HSPLS to look at suggested fee changes with the Board faster. Aldrich also referenced that there is an option to look at new services for the community.

Fujitani outlined House Bill 364, which clarifies the jurisdictional issues relating to trespassing on public land. She explained that all state and county law enforcement officers might enforce trespass laws whether the land is under the State or county jurisdiction. Fujitani also outlined Senate Bill 1230, which prohibits firearms in certain locations and premises. She shared that each county adopted their own firearm policies and the legislature adopted a statewide policy so policies would be uniform across all libraries statewide.

Aldrich outlined House Bill 1412 which relates to work with publishers to provide affordable eBook collections. She shared that although publishers are not happy, there are access concerns, which would make it impossible to budget for eBooks in the future.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed appreciation to Aldrich and congratulated HSPLS on a successful legislative session.

Board Chairperson Voss called on Cara Tanimura, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, Department of Education, and Ken Kakesako, Director, Policy, Innovation, Planning and Evaluation (“PIPE”) Branch, Department of Education to provide the presentation on the Department’s summary of the 2023 legislative session.

Tanimura reported that of the 3,132 bills and 437 concurrent resolutions introduced during the 2023 legislative session the Department tracked 796 bills, 73 concurrent resolutions, submitted 118 testimonies for bills, and 20 testimonies for concurrent resolutions based on analysis from internal subject matter experts, principals, complex area superintendents, and the leadership team. She summarized that the Department submitted seven bills in the Governor’s legislative package of which five passed and are awaiting signature into law. Tanimura noted that additional input from the Department was solicited by the Governor on 27 bills and the Department did not recommend any bill for veto. She expressed appreciation for Kakesako and PIPE for organizing and coordinating testimonies during the legislative session.

Board Chairperson Voss expressed appreciation for Kakesako and his team for their work during a challenging legislative session.

Board Member Fallin emphasized that legislative sessions require a lot of work and asked what legislation would affect workload. Kakesako highlighted Senate Bill 975 and House Bill 1329, both of which were signed into law, that could affect the Department’s workload. He outlined that Senate Bill 975 relates to electronic smoking devices and tax, which would help to reduce the amount of vaping in schools. Kakesako stated that House Bill 1329 requires the Department to implement an active shooter-training program in consultation with the unions. He shared that the active shooter-training program requires sustained funding so the Department would need to go back to the legislature to ask for funding. Kakesako noted that in addition, schools would need to submit School Community Council (“SCC”) waiver requests to allow for time to conduct these trainings. He also noted that a pilot project would require a critical response team for schools in the Mililani-Leilehua area and that the Office of Facilities and Operations would carry out this project.

Board Member Fallin asked for clarification as to whether funding was provided for the pilot project. Kakesako replied that initially there was funding for statewide implementation, but the final amount the Legislature appropriated is about $350,000. He stated that the Department would need $7,000,000 to implement the program statewide.

Board Member Fallin asked about the status of any potential bills that require veto. Kakesako replied that the Department did not recommend any bills for veto.

Board Member Fallin asked about the status of concurrent resolutions. Kakesako replied that 20 legislative resolutions have passed, many of which would require the Department to interact with the Board and Board staff, the biggest being reviewing graduation requirements.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the management of legislative content and asked what the Department wants the Board to know and think about going forward. Tanimura replied that one takeaway from this legislative session showed a united stance in communication between the Board and the Department.

Kakesako expressed disappointment that Senate Bill 1046 did not pass relating to weekly COVID-19 reporting and the Department would return to the legislature to help schools with the weekly requirement, which is an added burden for schools.

Board Member Arakaki asked what types of situations the critical response teams would respond to.

Kakesako shared about an incident at the school where a student was having a medical emergency and their heart stopped. He explained that the bill wanted to have a team at each school available within three minutes to provide response for medical situations at schools.

Board Member Arakaki asked for input on what the Board can do to support the Department. Kakesako replied that maintaining ongoing communication is important at the appropriate times to adhere to major deadlines.

Board Member Arakaki emphasized the importance of maintaining communication.


VIII. Aloha to departing Board members and Student Representative Maverick Yasuda

Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent, Department of Education, shared on behalf of Superintendent Keith Hayashi and expressed appreciation to Board Chairperson Voss, Board Member Fallin, Board Member Namau‘u, and Student Representative Yasuda. She noted that the Department looks forward to continuing to accelerate student learning and improve our systems under the new strategic plan and implementation plan. Armstrong acknowledged Student Representative Yasuda for providing the student perspective. She also extended her personal appreciation for Board Chairperson Voss, and Board Members Fallin and Namau‘u, and Student Representative Yasuda.

Aldrich expressed appreciation for leadership and support for libraries. She noted that Yasuda would bring aloha (love) to Harvard and extended her heartfelt happiness for his future success. Aldrich also expressed aloha (love) to Board Chairperson Voss and Board Members Fallin and Namau‘u.

Board members expressed appreciation for departing Board Chairperson Voss, Board Member Fallin, Board Member Namau‘u, and Student Representative Yasuda and made parting statements.


IX. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Voss adjourned the meeting at 3:32 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Jack Dias
Project Soar, Co-Vice President
VII.A. Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session
Killia Lawrence Gallagher
Project Soar, Member
VII.A. Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session
Cooper Endo
Project Soar, Co-Vice President
VII.A. Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session
Rissa Liu
Project Soar, Treasurer
VII.A. Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session
Sterling Higa
House Hawaii’s Future, Executive Director
VII.A. Presentation on 2023 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson summary of 2023 Legislative Session